Trials for places in former Sunderland midfielder Martin Gray’s football academy

FORMER Sunderland midfielder Martin Gray is giving budding footballers the chance to have a career in the game.

The Martin Gray Football Academy is holding trials for male and female Under-16 players later this month, with the prize at stake of a place on the BTEC Level Three Diploma in Sport course, at Framwellgate School, in Durham.

The course, now entering its third year, prepares students for university, scholarships in America, as well as the possibility of a place in the Darlington U18 squad.

Gray, manager of Evo-Stik First Division North outfit Darlington, said: “The course we offer at a number of schools is now firmly established as one of the best in the country and we have helped students gain their first steps to gaining and maintaining a career in football.

“We might not be able to guarantee a path to playing in the Premier League, but we know we can help them find their level and guide students to the right career path.”

The trials will be held at Meadowfield Sports Centre, outside Durham, on Tuesday, February 17 between 10am and noon, with registration starting at 9.30am.

For more information, contact 07921 334577 or email enquiriesmgfa@hotmail.com